Petition from Alexander Morison et al., concerning their imprisonment, including cover letter from William Hooper to Sir [President of the Provincial Congress of North Carolina?]

Campbell, Farquard, ca. 1730-1808; MacLeod, Alexander; Et Al.

October 31,
1776

Volume 10, Pages 888-889

[From MS. Records in Office of Secretary of State.]

Letters from William Hooper, North Carolina Delegate in the Continental Congress at Halifax, respecting prisoners.

Philadelphia, November 1st, 1776.

Sir,

I take the freedom thro' you to communicate to the Honourable the Convention the memorial of several of the prisoners from North Carolina now confined in the Gaol of this City. Their confinement tho' accompanied with every circumstance of humanity which the publick security will admit of must however as the Winter advances become more irksome, from a scarcity of cloathing an inconvenience which at this time it will be very difficult to relieve. I shall not take the freedom to intrude my opinion upon the Conventions, I may be permitted to say that I lament that conduct which has draw upon them the resentment of their injured Country, I feel sincerely for their distressed families, and earnestly wish they may be restored to their homes as soon as such a measure can take place without hazarding the safety of North Carolina.

I am sir with great respectYours & the Conventions most obedt Humble Servt

WILL. HOOPER.

———

Gentlemen,

After a long separation of eight months from our Families & Friends, We the undersubscribers, Prisoners of war from North Carolina now in Philadelphia Prison, think ourselves Justifiable at this period in applying to your Honours for permission to return to our Familes; which indulgence we will promise on the Faith & honour of Gentlemen not to abuse, by interfering in the present disputes, or aiding or assisting your Enemies, by word, writing, or action.

This request we have already laid before Congress who are willing to grant it, provided they shall have your approbation.

Hoping therefore, that you have no particular intention to distress us more than others whom you have treated with Indulgence, we flatter ourselves that your determinations will prove no obstruction

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to our Enlargement on the above terms; and have transmitted to you the enclosed Copy of the Resolve of Congress in our favor, which if you countenance; it will meet with the warmest acknowledgements of Gentn